Georgia is rocked by pro-EU protests against the government on the eve of the contested inauguration of the new president. The protesters are demanding new legislative elections and rapid accession to the European Union. A look back at this political crisis which divides the Caucasian country…
On this sunny Saturday in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, the atmosphere is far from festive. Thousands of pro-European protesters took to the city's streets to express their anger against the government. Wrapped in Georgian and European Union flags, they form a human chain along the river, symbolizing their determination to make their voices heard. At the heart of their demands: the release of political prisoners and the organization of new legislative elections.
This mobilization comes on the eve of a crucial event for the country: the inauguration of the new president, Mikheïl Kavelachvili. But this nomination is far from unanimous. Loyal to the ruling Georgian Dream party, Kavelashvili is known for his ultraconservative and anti-Western positions. A profile which greatly worries the pro-European opposition, which has for several months denounced irregularities during the last legislative elections in October.
A political crisis that is escalating
But the discomfort is not new. Since the contested victory of the Georgian Dream in the legislative elections, the country has been going through a serious political crisis. Pro-European demonstrations have intensified in recent weeks, fueled by the government's decision to postpone EU integration efforts until 2028. A cold shower for supporters of rapid accession to the European Union, which did not hesitate to take to the streets to make their discontent heard.
Faced with this growing protest, the authorities chose the strong approach. Several demonstrations were dispersed by the police, arousing the indignation of the opposition which denounces an authoritarian drift by the power in place. The Georgian Dream, for its part, completely rejects accusations of electoral fraud and accuses its detractors of wanting to foment a revolution financed from abroad.
Moscow's shadow looms over the crisis
In this climate of tension, the influence of Russia, the big neighbor to the north, is never very far away. Many suspect Moscow of pulling strings behind the scenes to curb Georgia's pro-European aspirations. The Kremlin, which considers the former Soviet space as its natural sphere of influence, takes a very dim view of a possible rapprochement of Tbilisi with the West.
Georgia is a strategic country, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Its stability and geopolitical orientation have major repercussions on the entire region.
A Western diplomat stationed in Tbilisi
Despite pressure from the streets, the Georgian government does not seem ready to change its position. Prime Minister Irakli Garibachvili reaffirmed his desire to maintain the set course, ensuring that accession to the EU remained a strategic objective but that it must be done in a gradual and considered manner. A caution which exasperates the opposition, convinced that those in power are playing for time to better cling to power.
A president breaking with power
In this political standoff, the current president Salomé Zourabichvili appears to be a strong supporter of the demonstrators. This former French diplomat, at odds with the government, announced that she refused to cede her mandate until new legislative elections were organized. Presenting herself as the only legitimate representative of power, she did not hesitate to join the human chain formed by the protesters in Tbilisi.
The inauguration of the new president will have no meaning. Kavelashvili will never be president of Georgia, just as the Georgian Dream will never be the country's ruling force. This is not a legitimate government.
Natia, 27-year-old protester, graduate in political science
As Georgia prepares to turn a new page in its history with the inauguration of Mikheil Kavelashvili, the future of the country seems more uncertain than ever. Between political crisis, European aspirations and regional games of influence, Tbilisi is navigating through troubled waters. One thing is certain: the next few months promise to be decisive for this small country in the Caucasus, torn between East and West.
A Georgian youth who dreams of Europe
At the heart of this crisis, Georgian youth appear to be the spearhead of the pro-European movement. Students, graduates, entrepreneurs… Many of them dream of a better future within the European Union. For them, membership in the EU is not only a geopolitical issue, it is also the promise of a better life, far from the corruption and nepotism that have plagued the country for years.
We want to live in a free and democratic country, where everyone has a chance. Europe represents this hope for us. We will not give up until our demands have been heard.
Giorgi, 22-year-old law student
But the road to Europe is still long and strewn with pitfalls. Georgia still needs to carry out profound reforms to meet EU standards, particularly in terms of the rule of law and the fight against corruption. A major challenge for this young state, which is struggling to get rid of the Soviet heritage and the reflexes of the past.
The international community on alert
Faced with this explosive situation, the international community is closely following the evolution of the Georgian crisis. The European Union, which has already dispatched several electoral observation missions to the country, called on all parties to exercise restraint and dialogue. For its part, Washington warned Tbilisi against any authoritarian drift, recalling that respect for human rights and the rule of law were sine qua non conditions for maintaining American aid.
We are following developments in Georgia with concern. It is crucial that all political forces engage in constructive dialogue to break the current impasse. Georgia's stability and prosperity are essential for the entire region.
A spokesperson for European diplomacy
As Georgia prepares to enter a new political era, many are holding their breath. Between hopes for a European future and fears of a step backwards, the country is at a crossroads. The outcome of the current crisis will undoubtedly determine the face of the Georgia of tomorrow. But one thing is certain: the voice of the street, carried by a youth thirsty for change, will not be silenced anytime soon. History is being written right now in the streets of Tbilisi.
